[April 19, 2013]    

Inside the new pump station, Schonauer talked about how the system operates. One interesting point is that what is seen inside the building is only a small portion of the system. For example, Schonauer explained that the top ends of the pumps don't really represent their size. In all, there is another 16 feet below the floor for each pump. When asked about the skylights centered directly above each pump, he said they were actually hatches. If a pump has to be worked on, a crane would have to be brought in, the hatch would be opened, and the pump would be raised through the roof of the building.

Pictures by Nila Smith

This photo is of the old power plant as it looked in 1914.

A shot of the massive old pumping system.

 

A closer look at the shots of the flood of 1926. Schonauer noted the tag in the photo says 1929, but he believes that is incorrect.


Pictures taken during the tear-down of the old plant and construction of the new pumping station.

Another shot of the long photo that was on display at the tour.

The old building being taken down.

 

The group goes in for a closer look.

Schonauer talks about the three pumps inside the building.